C. E. A.

State of California•Sacramento, CA

56d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Agency Chief Information Officer (CIO), the incumbent serves as the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO), CEA-C. This position provides strategic leadership for the development and implementation of a comprehensive Data and AI program aligned with the transformative goals outlined in the CalHHS IT and Data Strategic Plan. The CDAO leads the advancement of enterprise data, analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies and capabilities to support strategic priorities. The incumbent collaborates with CalHHS Agency, CalHHS Departments, and Office teams to design and operationalize strategies, policies, and solutions that promote the ethical, inclusive, and effective use of data and AI. These efforts support the delivery of person-centered, holistic health and human services that enhance access, quality, and affordability. Through collaboration with CalHHS Agency and its departments, the CDAO identifies, prioritizes and implements initiatives that strengthens the collective data and technology ecosystem, oversees enterprise data planning, governance, data management and data quality efforts, and drives the development of internal talent, fostering a strong data and analytics culture across CalHHS. The incumbent also performs parallel functions for AI and other emerging technologies and builds the necessary trust-based relationships with stakeholders inside and outside of State government to promote transparency, innovation, and responsible AI usage and data sharing In all activities, the CDAO ensures that data and AI initiatives support the Agency's mission of advancing a healthy California for all.

Requirements

Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

Nice To Haves

Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated ability to set and lead enterprise-wide strategies spanning technology, data, and organizational considerations, including defining priorities, success measures, and an operating model that aligns with mission-driven goals. Experience applying this in complex, multi-department/entity environments is desirable.
Innovation Mindset and Emerging Technology Acumen: Ability to identify, assess, and leverage emerging technologies and analytics solutions to improve business outcomes, enhance public service delivery, and drive continuous improvement across a large enterprise. Capable of advancing innovation within environments that balance modernization with public accountability, equity, and policy considerations.
Enterprise Data Governance & Management Expertise: Deep experience in data governance, data quality, data integration, and enterprise data management to improve data usability, facilitate appropriate data sharing, advance data-informed decision-making, and support evidence-based programs and person-centered service delivery. Experience navigating the policy, privacy, and operational considerations common in governmental or other highly decentralized organizations is beneficial.
AI and Advanced Analytics Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading or overseeing the responsible development, deployment, and governance of AI and advanced analytics solutions, including alignment with enterprise architecture, security standards, and regulatory requirements. Ability to promote innovation and scalable adoption within mission-driven, risk-conscious environments such as public sector or other highly regulated organizations.
Policy, Ethics, and Regulatory Compliance Knowledge: Strong understanding of data and AI ethics, privacy, risk management, and compliance frameworks, with the ability to develop policies that ensure transparency, equity, and responsible use of data and AI. Experience applying these principles within a context where statutory, procurement, and regulatory oversight requirements are higher, such as public the public sector, is preferred.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration: Proven ability to build trust and lead collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups-including departments, executives, program leaders, researchers, and external partners-to foster a coordinated, person-centered data ecosystem. Able to effectively represent the organization in internal and external forums, including those involving government, community, and policy stakeholders.
Change Management & Workforce Development: Experience driving organizational culture change to strengthen data and AI literacy and readiness at scale. Skilled at developing training, supporting adoption of data governance and AI practices, and building a data-driven environment in settings with varying levels of digital and data maturity.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership for the development and implementation of a comprehensive Data and AI program aligned with the transformative goals outlined in the CalHHS IT and Data Strategic Plan.
Leads the advancement of enterprise data, analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies and capabilities to support strategic priorities.
Collaborates with CalHHS Agency, CalHHS Departments, and Office teams to design and operationalize strategies, policies, and solutions that promote the ethical, inclusive, and effective use of data and AI.
Identifies, prioritizes and implements initiatives that strengthens the collective data and technology ecosystem
Oversees enterprise data planning, governance, data management and data quality efforts
Drives the development of internal talent, fostering a strong data and analytics culture across CalHHS.
Performs parallel functions for AI and other emerging technologies and builds the necessary trust-based relationships with stakeholders inside and outside of State government to promote transparency, innovation, and responsible AI usage and data sharing
Ensures that data and AI initiatives support the Agency's mission of advancing a healthy California for all.